Qatar edged by China as Kiwis clinch FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

alt
April 5, 2026
basketball
feed type icon
5-April-2026

Qatar edged by China as Kiwis clinch FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

DOHA - The Qatar 3x3 basketball national team concluded its participation in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup on Sunday following a narrow 17–20 defeat to China in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The team bid farewell to the competition following a spirited campaign marked by competitive performances and ambitions to advance further in one of the strongest editions of the championship.

The clash against China was intense and evenly matched for most of the game, before the Chinese side sealed victory in the final minutes with a three-point margin.

Later, Australia (women) and New Zealand (men) completed dominant, unbeaten runs to be crowned as the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 champions, capping a dramatic final day.

Australia’s road to the women’s title was far from straightforward. They needed a dramatic comeback in the Semi-Finals, where Amy Atwell’s late heroics lifted them past China, 21-20, before taking full control in the Final over Philippines, 18-9, to extend their dynasty in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, claiming the tittle for the 6th time.

New Zealand, meanwhile, dethroned men’s defending champions Australia earlier in the day, with Te Tuhi Lewis catching fire from deep to lead a 21-16 Semi-Finals win. They maintained that momentum in the Final, controlling Republic of Korea with disciplined offense and timely shot-making before icing the game, 21-15. Beyond the champions, the tournament marked historic breakthroughs.

The Philippines (women) reached their first-ever FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup Final. Led by Afril Bernardino and Kacey Dela Rosa, they showcased resilience and growth, ultimately securing a landmark silver medal -- their first podium finish in the competition.

Republic of Korea (men) also made history, advancing to their first FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup Final despite battling adversity, including playing the Semi-Finals with a shortened rotation. Their run to silver signals a major step forward for the program. China meanwhile capped a consistent campaign with Broze medals in both competitions.